Neymar Jr.'s World Record Transfer to PSG Is Actually Happening

Here’s how it’s set to work.

This summer, there has been one transfer rumor that has overshadowed every other deal or potential signing. Reports first emerged in July that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were ready to smash the world transfer record — which was set by Manchester United’s signing of Paul Pogba last summer — in a $250 million USD move for Barcelona‘s Neymar Jr. After recent developments, it seems like the big money deal is on the verge of being completed.

The rumors began to gain traction as Neymar reportedly had a fight with a teammate in training, before informing his club today that he wished to leave the club. Meanwhile, his agent Wagner Ribeiro tweeted earlier today that he was in Paris. The closest thing we have to official confirmation that he is moving is an Instagram post from teammate Lionel Messi stating: “It was a huge pleasure to have shared all these years with you friend @NeymarJr I wish you good luck in this new stage of your life.”

The exact details of the provisional deal are still shrouded in mystery, although rumors indicate that Neymar could be in line to earn upwards of $60 million USD a year. There has also been suggestions that the deal could be done in a shady way, with PSG owners Qatar Sports Investment apparently willing to pay Neymar $355 million USD to be the face of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Neymar could then use this money to buy himself out of his Barcelona contract, pocketing a tasty $100 million USD for himself and allowing PSG to sign him on a free transfer.

We’re still waiting for official confirmation from either club, but it seems like Barcelona is becoming increasingly resigned to losing the player.